With a message emphasizing the high cost of living in Rhode Island’s capital city, state Rep. David Morales announced a challenge on Monday to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley in next year’s primary election. “It’s time City Hall worked for us,” Morales said in a video announcing his campaign. “For too long, politicians like Brett Smiley […]
Providence
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
Potential progressive rival not concerned about Smiley’s big fundraising edge
State Rep. David Morales faces an uphill battle if he challenges Providence Mayor Brett Smiley next year, although Morales said Tuesday he is not fazed by Smiley’s big advantage in campaign fundraising. Morales had about $68,000 in his campaign account at the end of June, a fraction of the $1 million in Smiley’s campaign account. […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Politics
RI ACLU says new surveillance center in Providence requires more safeguards
The Rhode Island ACLU contends the City of Providence is moving too quickly in implementing an integrated surveillance center, adding that without additional safeguards, the system poses an Orwellian threat. In a letter to Mayor Brett Smiley and Police Chief Oscar Perez, the civil liberties group calls on city officials to enact a municipal ordinance […]
Posted inEconomy, Local, Metro Desk
Redevelopment of Providence’s ‘Superman Building’ to continue after owner’s death
The company that owns the so-called “Superman Building” in downtown Providence said Friday that it remains committed to redeveloping the property, even after the recent death of the company’s president. In a statement, High Rock Development announced that the Massachusetts-based company will now be led by its legal counsel, Michael Crossen, and that he will […]
Posted inEconomy, Housing, Local
David Sweetser, owner of Providence’s Superman Building, dies at 70
The head of the Massachusetts company that owns the “Superman Building” in downtown Providence has died. David C. Sweetser was 70 years old. “A devoted family man, beloved friend to many, and a titan in the real estate development industry,” said Bill Fischer, a spokesman for Sweetser, in a statement on Tuesday. “He will be […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local, Metro Desk
Providence police explain their role in Sunday’s ICE arrest
After Providence police officers were filmed at the scene of an ICE arrest this weekend, the city’s police chief held a press conference on Monday to explain his department’s role in the incident. Col. Oscar Perez, the city’s police chief, said Providence police officers do not assist federal agents with immigration enforcement or share information […]
Posted inLocal, Metro Desk, Politics
‘No kings’: Rhode Island protesters rally against Trump in nationwide demonstration
Hundreds of protesters rallied Saturday in Providence and towns across Rhode Island as part of a nationwide “day of action” against the Trump administration. In Providence, they marched at noon from the Rhode Island State House lawn through downtown, chanting “government by the people” and “no kings.” The protest was organized by members of the […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Transportation
Breaking Point: A tale of two Rhode Island cities
Hospitality businesses are a more than $5 billion industry in Rhode Island. But the closure of the westbound Washington Bridge has commerce as well as commuters in a jam. According to an economic impact study conducted earlier this year by the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and Salve Regina University, the greatest impact was on Providence […]
Posted inArts And Culture, Economy, Local
Secret Mall Apartment pays homage to Providence’s creative underground
On a freezing cold December day 25 years ago, Raphael Lyon and I watched as salvage crews took what they could from the demolition of the Silver Springs Bleaching and Dyeing complex — a sign of the growing threat to the creative ecosystem offered by old mill buildings in Providence. “We have this chance that […]
Posted inEconomy, Local
Reimagining downtown Providence in a hybrid work world
Providence, like many cities across the country, has seen office spaces emptying out, as some companies are downsizing and moving towards hybrid work models. That can have a ripple effect on the city’s economy, including local businesses like restaurants and shops. What is Providence doing to avoid falling into the so-called doom loop that is […]
